Hidden Gems of Southern Puglia

With southern Puglia's romantic scenery and undiscovered charms ahead, your Italian holiday begins this morning at London Heathrow, where you meet the Tour Manager and travel group. Together, we board the flight to Brindisi Airport, your gateway to Salento.   

As we arrive this afternoon, a coach transfer takes us deep into the region's rural landscapes to our elegant base for the next week, Relais Masseria Le Cesine. Built on the site of an ancient farm, with a masseria dating back centuries, the grounds are awash in natural beauty and offer a peaceful retreat with authentic Puglian character. Relax at one of the three swimming pools, unwind in the spa or take a convenient shuttle to the hotel's private beach, complete with sunbeds and umbrellas  - perfect for enjoying the region's sun-soaked charm.      

Take some time to get checked into your room and familiarise yourself with the on-site amenities before we sit down to our first dinner together at the hotel. 

• Dinner
• Unlimited selected drinks with dinner

Heading to Italy's easternmost city after breakfast this morning, we can get acquainted with the endless appeals of Otranto. This fortified town sits on the Adriatic coast, with thick walls surrounding its whitewashed buildings and an imposing castle overlooking it all.    

Arriving in its historic centre, we set out on a guided tour, uncovering Otranto's most enchanting views and enthralling points of interest. We enjoy entrance to its stunning cathedral, consecrated in 1088, and have a chance to admire its 12th-century mosaic floor before continuing our excursion.  

  We return to our hotel in time for lunch, then the remainder of the day is yours to spend as you please. You might like to relax beside the pool or take a stroll around the hotel grounds, before rejoining the group for dinner this evening. 

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Unlimited selected drinks with dinner

Travelling by coach this morning, we head towards Lecce, a city renowned for its Baroque, Renaissance and Romanesque buildings and attractive squares. On arrival, a guided tour reveals the elaborate architecture and winding alleys that have given this beautiful city the moniker the 'Florence of the South'. 

  Our guide leads us to the main square, Piazza del Duomo, which sits in the shadow of Lecce's cathedral and bell tower. We have admission to the cathedral, which dates to the 17th century and is a masterpiece of ornate detail. After seeing Lecce's main attractions, we continue to a traditional café, where we sample a Leccese coffee, made with almond milk and poured over ice, and a 'pasticciotto' - a Puglian pastry filled with custard or ricotta.  

  From this point, you are free to continue exploring the city at your own pace, perhaps people-watching in one of the grand piazzas or getting a better look at the Roman amphitheatre. We return to our hotel at the end of the afternoon, arriving in time for dinner.    

• Breakfast, Dinner
• Unlimited selected drinks with dinner

Setting out after breakfast, we uncover a hidden gem of southern Puglia - Galatina. This town is quaint and walkable, with plenty of history and pretty stone buildings to pique your interest as you explore independently. Use your free time to wander the cobbled streets or see the frescoed ceilings of the Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Allessandria.   

Rejoining our coach, we continue to a nearby winery. Dating to 1880, we enjoy a tour of this beautiful facility, with explanations of the cultivation and production processes, followed by a tasting. With varietals including primitivo and negroamaro, amongst others, this is a fantastic way to get another taste of this part of the world. Along with the wine, we enjoy a light lunch of traditional breads and puccette with olive oil, local snacks including taralli and friselline, and a selection of cured meats and cheeses.  

We return to our hotel after lunch, and you might like to spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or soaking up the serene atmosphere on the grounds or private beach, before dinner with the group this evening.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Unlimited selected drinks with dinner

With a full day at leisure stretching ahead, today is the perfect chance to rejuvenate and unwind in this stunning corner of the world.

  Olive groves adorn the hotel's grounds, and you might like to wander along the walking trail, shaded by their leaves, and soak up the sights and sounds of nature. For an even more impressive look at nature, you could take the hotel's shuttle to Relais Masseria Le Cesine's private beach for a day of sun and sand, enjoying the umbrellas, sun loungers and plenty of pristine water access.

  However you choose to spend your day, dinner is served at the hotel this evening. 

• Breakfast, Dinner
• Unlimited selected drinks with dinner

A journey into the northern Puglia region lies ahead today as, after breakfast, we make our way to the town of Alberobello, famous for its UNESCO-listed limestone 'trulli' houses. As our route ventures north, we make several detours to further uncover the cultural allure of this part of Italy.    

First, we stop at Il Frantolio Olive Oil Mill, which has been in operation for nearly 80 years. Here, we learn more about the oil-making process and taste some of the fruits of their labour. Continuing, we reach hilltop Locorotondo, where you have free time to look around.  

  We arrive in Alberobello early this afternoon and have a chance to explore the cone-shaped 'trulli' homes, which date to the 14th century and are one of Puglia's most emblematic features. A guide joins us in exploring, recounting the history of the unique structures and inviting us to admire the whitewashed stone houses, which spread out towards the surrounding hillsides. After our tour, we return to our hotel, where dinner is served this evening. 

• Breakfast, Dinner
• Unlimited selected drinks with dinner

Our day begins with breakfast at the hotel before we embark on the final excursion of our holiday: a trip to the charming fishing town of Gallipoli, ideally situated along the Ionian Sea, and Santa María di Leuca on the tip of Italy's heel.

  As our coach arrives, we are introduced to its offerings on a two-hour guided tour. See Gallipoli's ancient walls and unique historic centre, which sits on an island linked to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge. Continuing to Santa María di Leuca, you can enjoy some free time to explore this stunning town. Admire the towering lighthouse overlooking the confluence of the Ionian and Adriatic seas, and the nearby basilica built on the site of an ancient Greek temple. Next, we set sail on a boat tour of this beautiful coastline - the Leuca coast is dotted with ancient caves and boasts crystal-clear, turquoise waters.  

Disembarking the boat, we transfer back to our hotel, where you have some time to unwind ahead of our final dinner together this evening. 

• Breakfast, Dinner
• Unlimited selected drinks with dinner

Our stunning hotel has made the perfect base for unveiling the lesser-discovered Salento region over the past week. This part of Italy is distinct in its offerings and its terrain, creating a new chance to explore each day.  We have seen the contrasts of bigger cities like Lecce and small fishing villages, including Gallipoli and Santa María di Leuca. Our journey has shown us the iconic conical homes of Alberobello and both the Adriatic and Ionian coasts by land and boat. Complete with wine and olive oil tastings at local facilities, this has been a memorable way to experience Puglia. 

Our holiday draws to a close with breakfast this morning. Afterwards, a coach transfer takes us to the airport for our flight back to London Heathrow, where your trip concludes. 

• Breakfast